Hindu priest detained in Ontario after alleged sexual assault during fake healing rite
Police in Oshawa, Ontario arrested Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, a Hindu priest from New York, on a charge of sexual assault after he allegedly abused a woman who hired him for a religious healing ceremony.
Authorities in Oshawa, Ontario, arrested Hindu priest Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, 50, after a woman reported being sexually assaulted during a purported religious healing ceremony. The victim and her family had arranged for Maraj, who resides in Richmond Hill, New York, to travel to Canada for the ritual. Police say Maraj told the woman she was possessed by evil spirits and needed a specific ceremony to be healed.
He then allegedly led her to a private setting and assaulted her while maintaining the pretense of performing the rite. Officers from the East Division responded to the call on Tuesday, August 25, in the vicinity of Harmony Road North and Conlin Road East. Maraj was detained, charged with one count of sexual assault, and held pending a bail hearing.
Why it matters
The case highlights potential abuse of religious authority and raises concerns about safety in faith-based services.
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